Investigations are ongoing into a road accident that occurred early Sunday morning in the newly opened tunnel in Nice, located west of the main highway.

The accident involved a Smart car, which ended up overturned with two women in their twenties inside.

According to the Nice public prosecutor's office, the driver was found to be under the influence of alcohol and narcotics, lacking a valid driver's license and insurance for the vehicle.

Initial reports had suggested a potential kidnapping scenario when the prosecutor briefly included 'kidnapping and sequestration' in the investigation.

However, the Nice prosecutor's office has stated that evidence collected so far 'does not substantiate the claims made by the passenger in the involved vehicle.' This development has led to a narrowing of the focus back to the circumstances surrounding the car accident itself.

The ongoing inquiries are being conducted by the Brigade of Accidents and Road Offenses (BADR) in Nice, which aims to gather medical evaluations, witness testimonies, and ascertain the exact conditions that led to the accident.

The implicated driver, who has been released from custody, may be subject to future detention as the investigation progresses, particularly concerning potential legal actions.